It is clear from the song titles, the first being “Gates of Moria”, that our Yak has left the confines of Central Asia and journeys to parts unknown. This song opens with a sweeping lead melody over arpeggiating synth figures that will take you back to some of Pendragon’s “The Jewel” album, or perhaps Steve Hackett’s 70’s repertoire.

The second track “Entangled In Dreams” starts with a soft synth accompaniment overlaid with a melodic flute track that remind you of the same atmosphere presented on Camel’s “Snow Goose” album. This gives way to the sweeping “guitar” lead again which states the melody over lush piano and synth washes. This flows into a more energized section with the “guitar lead” melody over organ flourishes, and back again to the easier laid-back section. If you like the aforementioned bands this track will give you that pleasant feeling of familiarity without coming off like an exact clone.

The rest of the tracks feature longer atmospheric synth washes which give way to edgier organ licks which again take a cue from Steve Hackett’s late 70s works such as “Defector”. Four of the six tracks clock in around the 10 minutes range, which gives ample opportunity for the melody and themes to be presented appropriately without overstating their welcome.

Synth tones take a cue from both old school organ and mellotron sounds as well as modern synth washes. I only have two small quibbles with the album. Even though the band is a three piece, the tracks seem written to also have guitar, with many tracks utilizing a Korg-workstation style guitar lead patch. In the absence of a real guitar player, it might have been better to use more aggressive synth lead sounds that didn’t try to emulate a guitar exactly. Also the electronic styled “Simmons” tom toms may give you an 80s way back machine feeling that seems out of touch with today’s production styles, but generally doesn’t detract from the music.

Overall the compositions themselves are interesting and melodic, though not overly complicated, and well played. I would recommend taking the journey with Yak if you are into instrumental melodic symphonic progressive in the style of Steve Hackett or Camel.